Chapter 619:

“Impossible!” Freda retorted. “Even if he’s not bad, how could he compare to Theo?”

Alena paused, realizing the intensity of Freda’s feelings for Theo. It was clear Freda was infatuated.

Treading carefully, Alena ventured, “Could there be a twist? Maybe Gavin has qualities that surpass Theo’s.”

“Not a chance. Gavin’s a nobody. He doesn’t even come close to Theo.”

Alena chuckled. “Well, you clearly dislike Gavin. I’m curious to meet him myself. I wonder if he’s really as bad as you say.”

“He’s absolutely terrible,” Freda declared emphatically.

The next morning, Gavin entered the studio, violin case in hand. Inside, he found Cody sprawled on the couch, sipping coffee.

Cody, spotting Gavin, asked, “Can I get you a cup?”

“That’d be great,” Gavin replied, setting down his case and joining Cody at the counter.

The studio door burst open. Gavin instinctively thought it might be Fiona, who had been absent for a few days. He turned to find Freda standing in the doorway, her gaze fixed on him.

Cody, noticing Freda, politely inquired, “Pardon me, but who are you?”

Freda smiled brightly. “You must be Cody Tucker. My father, Kat Jimenez, is a big fan of your work.”

Recognition dawned on Cody’s face. He nodded eagerly. “Ah, you’re Mr. Jimenez’s daughter! You’ve grown into a lovely young lady.”

Freda gracefully approached Cody, linking her arm with his. “When can we expect you to join us for dinner, Mr. Tucker?” she cooed. “My father has been talking about you constantly, saying how much he misses you.”

Cody laughed. “Well, Miss Jimenez, I’ve just returned and am quite busy. But once things calm down, I’d love to visit your father.”

Freda beamed. “Oh, wonderful! You promise?”

Gavin reached his limit. He grabbed Freda by the scruff of her neck and pulled her out the door. Freda resisted, but Gavin’s grip was firm.

Cody, puzzled, cradled his coffee. “What’s happening? Do those two know each other?”

Living (presumably a character's name) leaned back, amused. “Who knows, maybe Gavin will have a girlfriend soon.”

Cody rubbed his chin. “Life sure has a way of surprising us. Let it run its course.”

Freda, seething in the yard, demanded, “What’s gotten into you? Why are you treating me like this?”

Gavin’s fury mirrored hers. “Why are you here? I told you not to come back.”

Freda scoffed. “Who appointed you boss? Why should I listen to you?”

“This isn’t a coffee shop,” Gavin said firmly. “You can’t just come in whenever you want.”

Freda retorted sarcastically, “I’ll ask Mr. Tucker if I can visit. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

Gavin’s face darkened. “What’s your plan?” he growled.

Freda raised an eyebrow. “Do you really want to know?”

Gavin nodded curtly.

“My plan,” Freda said, grinning, “is you.”

Gavin’s expression was unreadable. “What do you want from me?”

“All you need to know is that my purpose revolves around you,” Freda said dismissively.

Gavin’s eyebrow rose. “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for me?” He moved closer, his face near Freda’s.

Freda, startled, drew back. “How dare you suggest such a thing? Don’t be so full of yourself!”

Gavin laughed, a sound that stirred something in Freda. She felt a flush under his gaze.

…